Exclusive mode

Exclusive mode lets Spotify take full control of your audio device for the highest quality music listening experience. When enabled, Spotify takes full control of your computer's audio processing to deliver music exactly as it was recorded. This is ideal for listeners with external audio equipment (like a DAC or audio interface) who want the purest possible sound.

Exclusive mode is unavailable on music videos, podcasts, preview clips and canvas clips.

Supported devices:

• Windows Desktop app

Note: While Spotify has exclusive access to your audio devices, other apps will be unable to play sound through that device.

Streaming in exclusive mode

For the absolute purest listening experience, you may also want to disable these settings. With these settings disabled and Exclusive Mode on, you'll hear the audio exactly as it was mastered.

• Normalize volume - turn this off in Settings > Playback
• Equalizer - ensure this is off (it's off by default)

Features that are paused

These features don't work while Exclusive Mode is active:

• Automix - seamless transitions between tracks are disabled
• Crossfade - tracks will have a gap between them instead of blending

How to turn on exclusive mode

1. Connect your external audio device (DAC or audio interface) to your computer
2. Open Spotify and go to Settings
3. Scroll to Playback
4. Under Audio output, select your device from the dropdown
5. Toggle on exclusive mode

A warning will remind you that other apps won't be able to use this device while exclusive mode is active.

How to turn it off

Go to Settings > Playback and toggle off exclusive mode, or select a different audio output device.

Troubleshooting

No sound in exclusive mode

• Check your device is properly connected
• Try selecting a different output device, then switch back
• Ensure your device's drivers are up to date

Audio cuts out or skips

• Close other audio applications
• Check your device's firmware is up to date
• Try disconnecting and reconnecting your device

FAQ

Will exclusive mode stay on between sessions?

Yes, your settings are saved. Exclusive mode will remain enabled as long as your audio device is connected when you next open Spotify.

Why can't I see the exclusive mode toggle?

The toggle only appears when you select a compatible external audio device. It won't appear for:

• Bluetooth headphones or speakers
• Your computer's built-in speakers
• Virtual audio devices (like Zoom audio)

Why can't I hear other apps?

While exclusive mode is on, Spotify has exclusive control of your selected audio device. Other apps will need to use a different output, or you can turn off exclusive mode to share the device.

Do I control volume in Spotify or on my device?

You can use either. Some listeners prefer to keep Spotify at maximum volume and control output from their DAC or amplifier.